Dun Darach
Platform: ZX Spectrum
Region: UK
Media: Snapshot
Controller: Keyboard
Genre: Adventure - Graphic
Gametype: Licensed
Release Year: 1985
Developer: Carter Follis Software Associates
Publisher: Gargoyle Games
Players: 1
Programmer: Greg Follis, Roy Carter
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Dun Darach may be the first ever videogame prequel  to Tir Na Nog. As such, it features the warrior Cuchulainn of Muirmethne, in a war against the Conachta. When he and his colleague Loeg meet a beautiful woman named Skar in an inn, they do not suspect that she is a spy, and will kidnap Loeg to the secret city of Dun Darach (the 'Oak Fort' in Celtic). Cuchulainn will not stand for this, and sets off to Dun Darach to rescue him. This will involve secondary quests being completed along the way.

The game system is identical to that of Tir Na Nog  a single road of the city is shown at a time, which can be walked along to the left or right. When you come to a junction, the view can be rotated by 90 degree to allow this path to be followed. Gameplay is also similar - sword fights must be won and word-based puzzles solved, although unlike Tir Na Nog you cannot die.

Trade and money management plays a bigger part than before - objects can be offered to, sold to and stolen from others, and you get obtain jobs for money. Watch out for Ryde the policeman - if he finds you with stolen goods, everything you are carrying will be taken. You must also speak to people and enter magic rooms to obtain key information.

Trivia:

The map layout features a gap in the Pleasure District - a Red Light district was designed, but removed from the final game for fear of reducing the game's potential audience.



http://www.mobygames.com/game/zx-spectrum/dun-darach

